Portland Thunder

Portland Activates DB Varmah Sonie

“We’re excited to have him back with the organization,” Hohensee stated. “We look forward to seeing the reasons why he was an All-Arena selection last season.”

Sonie returns to the Portland Thunder after a stellar 2014 campaign, which garnered First Team All-Arena honors with 86.0 total tackles, three tackles for loss, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 25 pass breakups.

Prior to rejoining the Thunder this season, Sonie spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was signed to a three-year futures contract with the Browns on February 16, 2015, but was released in early May. Sonie was a late season addition to the Buccaneers practice squad in 2014 following the conclusion of the AFL season.

In college, Sonie attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he was teammates with fellow Thunder defensive back Andre’ Martin. Sonie was named First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2011, and recorded 158 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, 16 pass breakups, and two blocked kicks over the course of his career as a three-year starter for the Panthers. Sonie made an impact at the high school level as well, being named Minnesota’s ‘Mr. Football’ in 2008. Varmah played both defensive back and wide receiver for Apple Valley High School, recording 41 receptions, 36 carriers, and six interceptions, while also totaling 10 touchdowns. He was named as a Max Prep All-American as well for his impressive senior season.

The Thunder have placed K Kevin Goessling on reassignment on Tuesday as well. The former Fresno State Bulldog converted 37 of 50 PAT attempts in eight games played for Portland.

About the Portland Thunder
The Portland Thunder are back with a BOOM this 2015 AFL Season. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. For more information, email us at info@portlandthunder.com or call 503-773-4235. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@pdxthunder).